How to Get Swimming Lessons As an Adult

Swimming is a fun, low-impact, and all-over cardiovascular activity that can benefit all body types and ages. Whatever level you are in swimming, you can get swimming lessons as an adult. Or you can arrange for swimming lessons for an adult in your care who could benefit from being in the water. Learn how to arrange for swimming lessons.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Swim suit
• goggles
• ear plugs
• swim cap
• money for lessons

1. Join a community gym such as the YMCA or YWCA. If you are just joining for the pool classes, see if you must buy a full membership. Some gyms offer the chance to take adult swimming lessons without being a member.

2. Check with your city parks and community pools to see if they offer swimming lessons for an adult. You may need to pay a minimal membership fee or pool entry/locker fee.

3. Investigate free swimming lessons for adults by doing a Google search for free adult swimming lessons (don't use quotes around the phrase) and the name of your city. Free classes are offered consistently in some areas. For example, swimmer-wannabes of any age can contact the New York City Parks Department for free swimming lesson opportunities in New York City (see the Resources section).

4. Pay for private swimming lessons. To find a private swimming instructor, or swimming lessons in general in your area, register for free at websites with swimming lessons locators.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're learning swimming on the advice of your doctor for joint problems, consider pool therapy classes. They don't teach you to swim, but they do get you moving in the water and are taught by instructors trained to deal with people who experience joint or muscle pain. Contact your health care center for information about local pool therapy classes.
• Don't go swimming for an hour after you eat. (Joking! But seriously, though there isn't much medical evidence to support this common admonition, do take care with your safety when swimming. You're not a kid anymore!)

Resources

• New York City free swimming opportunities